Europe’s Black Market Gambling Sector Grows 18% Annually Since 2019
Highlights
- A Euromat-commissioned report estimates Europe’s gambling black market has grown at an 18% compound annual rate since 2019.
- Around 64% of estimated black-market traffic is attributed to a group of 25 operators.
Europe’s gambling black market has recorded significant growth since 2019, according to a new report commissioned by Euromat and produced by Regulus Partners and Helios.
The report estimates that the European black market has grown at a compound annual rate of 18% between 2019 and 2026 and could reach a value of up to €13 billion by the end of this year. The research covers 28 European jurisdictions, including the UK, Netherlands and Germany.
According to the report, a relatively small number of operators account for a large share of illegal gambling traffic across Europe. Around 64% of the estimated black-market activity is attributed to a leading group of 25 brands.
The research identifies cryptocurrency payments and internationally recognised branding as factors supporting the expansion of offshore gambling operators.
Some operators are also based in offshore jurisdictions with relatively light regulatory requirements, which can make ownership structures and enforcement more difficult for national authorities.
The report also highlights the role of affiliates in generating traffic for smaller black-market websites. The findings underline the challenges faced by European regulators as they attempt to restrict unlicensed gambling activity while maintaining effective and accessible regulated markets.
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